Deschamps delighted with frugal Marseille

Didier Deschamps took satisfaction from his Olympique de Marseille team keeping a clean sheet in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie with Manchester United FC. The OM coach is targeting another disciplined display in the return on 15 March at Old Trafford, where opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping for an improved attacking performance after his players failed to capitalise on some of the "good positions" they got into at Stade Vélodrome.

Didier Deschamps, Marseille coach
It was very important we didn't concede a goal and we did that. It was a tough, hard game because Manchester United are a good team. It was not easy. We had a very good time in the second half for 20 or 25 minutes but we didn't find a goal. At the end it was more difficult because United changed their system to 4-4-2 and we were behind the ball a lot. They had some players missing but those who came in were excellent. It shows what a high level they are at.

I'm very happy for my players because they did their best and we know tonight Manchester United tonight confirmed they are a big team. It will be important at Old Trafford not to concede a goal and maybe we'll have the opportunity to score. May be Manchester United are the favourites. It's not a bad result for us but it's a good result for them.

Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager
The game was disappointing to me. OK, the pitch was lively and Marseille made sure they weren't going to lose a goal. [We expected more of the team], that goes without saying. We got into some good positions at times, but it wasn't enough. Nil-nil can be a dangerous scoreline if you lose a goal at home but for us it's about winning the game − if we win the game we're through. I think we've a good chance.

Chris Smalling was excellent again. The boy's improving all the time; he wants to be a player, he likes defending and today he gave a tremendous demonstration of centre-back play.